Black History
6 must-visit Black museums in Atlanta
ROLLINGOUT.COM — There is no question that Atlanta is the best city to visit for a real Black history lesson. With Atlanta playing a major role in the history of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and of the Civil Rights Movement, it comes as no surprise that the largest museum of primary resources for both are housed in Atlanta. Five out of six of the museums are located in the epicenter of African American history on Auburn Avenue. Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning on a visit in the near future, these six landmarks should be on your list.
By Rollingout.com
There is no question that Atlanta is the best city to visit for a real Black history lesson. With Atlanta playing a major role in the history of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and of the Civil Rights Movement, it comes as no surprise that the largest museum of primary resources for both are housed in Atlanta. Five out of six of the museums are located in the epicenter of African American history on Auburn Avenue. Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning on a visit in the near future, these six landmarks should be on your list.
The King Center
449 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 526-8900
The King Center is the primary source of materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. The collection consists of the papers of Dr. King and those of the organization he co-founded — the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, records of eight major civil rights organizations and several other individuals who were active in the Movement. The museum houses more than 200 oral history interviews with teachers, friends, family, and other civil rights associates of Dr. King.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture
101 Auburn Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 613-4001
The Auburn Avenue Research Library is a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System but offers specialized reference and archival collections dedicated to the study and research of African-American culture, history and others of African descent.
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
350 Spelman Ln SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 270-5607
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is the only museum in the nation emphasizing art by women of the African Diaspora, located on the historic Spelman College campus.
MLK National Historic Site
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
The MLK National Historic Site consists of 35 acres of family-friendly learning and fun. The historic site includes the visitor center, the BEHOLD Monument, “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, MLK Jr.’s Birth Home, Fire Station No. 6, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center, Dr. & Mrs. King’s Tomb, and Freedom Hall.
Hammonds House Museum
503 Peeples St SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 612-0481
The Hammonds House Museum displays a 250-piece collection that features the work of African-American artists from the 19th century to the present. It is the only fine arts museum in Atlanta that features artists of African-American descent.
The APEX Museum
135 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 523-2739
The Apex Museum was founded in 1978 by Mr. Dan Moore and is full of history presented from the Black perspective.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
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IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.
He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.
Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.
Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.
Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.
He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.
A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.
His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.
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